Hirota 163 Dogi

Tomorrow marks one and a half years since we moved back to Japan. And what a great year and a half it has been! To celebrate, Mizuho suggested I buy a new do-gi (karate uniform), and of course I didn’t resist this idea... So we travelled to the Hirota shop in central Fukuoka to get my measurements perfect, and enjoy Hakata. As winter is coming, and many people have asked me to review the ‘Ichi roku san’ (The Hirota #163), I decided to purchase one.

Ironically I gave my last 163 to one of my students in New Zealand who is now in the Singapore Army, and since then, I have not worn one, so I was unable to directly compare the ‘Pinak kata’ with with ‘Ichi roku san’. Finally, with both a Pinak kata, and a 163 on hand, I can provide a comprehensive review, by supplementing my March post (here’s a quick link to that article: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/03/pinak-kata-dogi.html).

‘Ichi roku san’ – The Hirota 163 Do-gi
I’d like to begin by stating some obvious facts about the Ichi roku san. Firstly, it is Hirota’s premier ‘custom made’ heavyweight karate uniform. In comparison to the Pinak Kata it is much harder to maintain (harder to wash and takes much longer to dry; looks like someone is still wearing it, whilst on the washing line. – Bonus: if you are a farmer it doubles as a ‘scarecrow’). Secondly, when ordering, you must take into account the large amount of shrinkage that all heavyweight do-gi suffer. Naturally I’m stating the obvious here, however, I know of several people who have ended up having dogi, which look like something out of Peewee Herman’s closet. Thirdly, the Ichi roku san will never ‘feel’ as free as the Pinak Kata, even if it is perfectly sized. So if comfort is what you want, the Pinak Kata wins hands down. Fourthly, if you make an error with your measurements, heavyweight dogi’s will distort your form, and usually for the worst. Fifthly, in all cases, if you are not in Japan, or can’t get over here before ordering, consider contacting someone who is a karate dogi professional to help you. My suggestion is Hamid Abassalty (http://kuroobiya.com/shop/). Hamid offers an excellent service, and is obviously getting uniforms and belts for much cheaper for his company; therefore, by using his service you won’t lose any money, and ensure that you get what you want!

I’d like to conclude by mentioning the positive points about the Ichi roku san, besides the ‘free scarecrow on the washing line’ feature. For those of you who are kata competitors, probably the 163 is the best Hirota dogi for you as it is more ‘snappy’. For me that is a turn off, but I’m sure that it does sway the judges in sports karate competitions, if that’s what you’re into. Also, in my opinion, in colder climates, and colder seasons, it is much better to wear a heavier karate suit, and you can’t go past the 163 as a heavyweight. As surprising as it may sound, it does make a difference in cold weather keeping your bones just that little bit warmer! Another advantage over the Pinak kata is that when you are drenched in sweat, the 163 still sits beautifully, whereas the Pinak kata becomes pretty much ‘see-through’ and hangs like you just went for a swim in it. Lastly, in kumite, especially if you train with heavy contact, the heavyweight dogi helps to absorb blows. Likewise, they are better if you practice a lot of kata applications (with grappling) and don't want your dogi shredded.

All in all, unless proven otherwise to me, I believe that the Hirota ‘Pinak Kata’ and Hirota ‘Ichi roku san’ (163) are the two best 'delux karate uniforms' in the world. The difference is merely preference, and the ability to ensure, that what you order, is exactly what you want! As a very demanding customer (perfectionist) who knows the complexities of ordering the ideal do-gi, I hope this review has been of some help for you.

OSU, André

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Paul Kallender's Blog - A must read!

Paul Kallender-Umezu recently launched a blog about his training and experiences at the KWF Sohonbu dojo. It goes without saying that this blog is and will continue to be fantastic, as it is ‘training focused’ and written by an experienced journalist. Paul's intelligence, great sense of humour and hard training can only result in great articles! When I saw Paul for the first time he was training hard out standing in a pool of sweat. After having a chat with him in the changing room I clearly remember thinking “what a cool guy!” Since that time we have kept in touch and I’ve always enjoyed corresponding with him.

Paul kindly put a link to my blog, which again I really appreciate. I don’t have a links bar, however, I'd like to highly recommend Paul’s blog here. If you are interested in authentic karate his blog is a ‘must-read’!

What makes it a 'must read' is that it is highly unique... You can get a taste of a karateka's journey at 'the source'. I'm positive that his blog will really encourage more people to join the Karatenomichi World Federation, as it will give them a taste of real karate. Click here to check it out! http://yaharakarate.blogspot.com/ Better still, bookmark it as a favourite!

OSU
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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

True Kata

I recently read a superb article on kata by Shaun Banfield (Co-Creator, writer and designer of 'The Shotokan Way' website). The article for me is literally the best I've read (on the subject of kata) in the last few years. His points really summed up my approach to kata far better than I ever could, and in my opinion, summarized what 'true kata' is ('martial art kata'). The statements that Shaun makes in his article technically oppose the present-day competition kata, which has literally become a lame form of gymnastics. To me, his article defines the difference between the Sochin of Osaka Yoshiharu Sensei, and the Unsu of Yahara Mikio Sensei, and the kata performed by the majority of current ‘champions’. Essentially karate kata as a martial art - functional form, verses karate kata as a performance – nothing more than an athletic display.

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Ironically, kata performed as a martial art really turns heads (amongst the general public who appreciate fighting arts) as it displays fighting, a perfect connection to kihon and kumite. Whereas the 'sports karate kata', whilst perhaps appearing more 'tidy'/'accurate', typically lacks ferocity and effective fighting technique. Arms and legs flapping around fast without harnessing the power of the entire body, pauses long enough for a commercial break (yawn), and no aim to achieve a finishing blow with each action.

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Shaun's approach to his kata is a great example for everyone. Especially those who are seeking to make their kata training an effective part of their overall training regime.

Follow this link to check out this excellent article: http://www.theshotokanway.com/katastrivingtoliveinthemoment.html

OSU!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Andre Bertel Blog Links

In the last two months I have received some emails from people wanting to access my older posts. For your convenience I've provided the links here. All articles can just as easily be accessed from the Blog Archive ('big green menu') located on the right side of the screen.

Kindest regards from Japan,

André

2007

POSTS 1-21: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/10/power-in-practis.html

POSTS 22-24: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/10/past-posts-22-42.html

You can back track to see POSTS 42-54 (the remaining articles of 2007) by clicking here: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B09%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B09%3A00&max-results=50

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2008

For the 37 articles uploaded thus far in 2008 (POSTS 55-91) simply click on the respective month.

January: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html

February: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

March: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

April: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

May: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html

June: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

July: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

August: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Memorial Training Report

Admittedly, this year, my karate-do practices in memory of Asai Sensei were far less physical than last years. I completed three trainings in total: morning practice (Asai-ryuha/'Bujutsu kata'); midday practice (Shotokan kata); and evening practice (kihon keiko).

Kihon (Evening practice): For kihon I covered several of the drills Sensei consistently worked on in morning practice. I also went through the alternative dan grading syllabus that he advocated (photos kindly taken by my wife when I was training). Overall my focus was on 'tenshin', 'snap', 'muchiken', 'keriwaza', 'ashi-uke' and Asai Sensei's infamous 'three styles' of karate.

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Kata (Midday & morning practice): I covered only a few kata (not all 63 Asai-ryu kata like last year), namely Sensei's three favourite standard Shotokan kata, Tekki Nidan, Empi and Nijushiho; and several of his 'own kata', including Junro, Kibaken and Joko (for basic training); plus Kakuyoku-nidan and Hushu (for advanced training).

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Whilst not being three endurance sessions, I still lost a lot of sweat with the humidity of the Japanese summer. The practice sessions were great because as planned, they allowed me time to really think about what Asai sensei taught me over the years, and also the many enjoyable social times we spent together.

RIP Asai Sensei

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

ASAI SENSEI MEMORIAL DAY TRAINING

I have little to say in this post, as today is all about intensive training, in remembrance of Tetsuhiko Asai Sensei.

As today marks two years since 'Shusekishihan' passed away, I will lower my zanshin and use the training as a vehicle to reflect on my late teacher.

My best wishes to each and every other person around the world doing a special training today in memory of Sensei. I'll conclude this post with a couple of internet links well worth reading/watching on this day of remembrance.

OSU!
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SOME LINKS FOR ASAI MEMORIAL DAY:

This video was televised at Asai Sensei's funeral (composed by Hoshimi Asai). I was greatly honoured as it included several clips from the New Zealand TV demonstration Asai Sensei asked me to assist him in. Especially check out Sensei's muchiken take down (right before he's shown punching the makiwara). Incredible waza! This style of technique is how I'll always remember Sensei): CLICK HERE: http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=-eKqto-MoRs also an article in June relating to this video footage: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/06/personal-training-from-asai-sensei.html

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Last years Asai Sensei Memorial Training (my last years memorial practice posted on this blog - just one of many around the world): CLICK HERE: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/08/on-this-very-day-august-15th-last-year.html

Video of personal training from Asai Sensei recently uploaded on Youtube: CLICK HERE: http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=wqTxz0NzbE8

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Asai Sensei's final magazine interview: CLICK HERE: http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2007/07/asai-senseis-final-interview.html

© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Obon

I decided to slightly increase my self-training during our Obon holiday which started on Saturday. This evening on completion of day four, my body is really feeling it! The additional practices really shocked my muscles from day one.

My Saturday training session, under the tuition of Tachibana Shihan (8th Dan), was harder on my legs than usual as I'd already trained twice, firstly in the morning (kata; precisely following my current 'fixed' routine) and secondly in the early afternoon (kihon, namely the ido-kihon for the cha obi and shodan exams) therefore I will not describe these sessions in detail here. Fortunately I managed to get through the dojo training with my burning thy muscles, feeling much better by the end of practice. I'll briefly give an overview of this lesson here:

Jodan age uke - The Asai way: We initially practiced stationary migi chudan gyaku zuki from tateshuto kamae 30 times, followed by jodan age uke kara chudan gyaku zuki 30 times, then chudan gyaku zuki kara jodan age uke 30 times. We then switched and repeated on the opposite side. Physically the hardest point of this training was the deep zenkutsu dachi we remained in. My quads were on fire. Shihan emphasized exact shomen, hanmi, hiki-te, shisei (posture), power from the tanden/hara, and uchi momo (the inside thys). The main focus in this class was on jodan age uke, the way that Asai Shuseki Shihan taught it. Tachibana Shihan demonstrated this technique focusing on shoulder snap, and natural energy by 'swinging' the block. We applied this by using age uke to attack the opponent and/or destroy their balance from a variety of angles, which Shihan demonstrated several times as he learned directly from Shuseki Shihan. This led onto partner drills up and down the dojo with the attacker firing three jodan punches (jodan oi zuki, jodan gyaku zuki and jodan maete zuki) with the defender blocking with jodan age uke (hanmi), jodan age uke (gyaku hanmi) and jodan age uke (hanmi). This was again repeated against three jodan heiko zuki with the attacker making ryo seiken hiki-te (loading up again for the next double punch) after being blocked by the defender. In all cases, snap, swing and correct positions of the hips, ankles, and posture, were closely monitored.

Kata: Kata covered were Heian-sandan (including one time in reverse), Tekki-shodan, Kibaken-shodan, and Jitte; three or four times each. Fundamental comparisons were made between the positions of the elbows in Shotokan-ryu techniques in 'Best Karate' style (namely Heian-sandan and Jitte, but also Tekki and Kibaken). Tachibana Shihan gave special attention to Jitte by initially taking us through it very slowly. He explained and demonstrated each technique, during which I was given some valuable advice on my bo tsukami uke. The class ended with Kihon Ippon Kumite in grading syllabus fashion (jodan oi zuki, chudan oi zuki, chudan mae geri, chudan yoko kekomi and jodan mawashi geri with free-choice defenses, and counterattacks).

Sunday Training Sessions: The first two practices on Sunday were dedicated to the kihon in my current routine: (http://andrebertel.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-latest-training-routine.html) with special attention given to mawashi geri in isolation, and the final renzokuwaza with jodan soto uke. The training was very tough and revealed some new weaknesses I'm determined to erradicate. The third training session was altered from my current routine to include Jion, Junro-shodan, Kibaken, Kanku Dai, Sochin and Kakuyoku-nidan. Much of the time was committed to Jion and Junro concentrating on the fundamentals which I'm currently honing. A physically and technically demanding practice to say the least.

Monday and Tuesday: Focus has been on kihon keriwaza, and Kakuyoku-nidan in preparation for the memorial practice for Asai Sensei this Friday. Today was special as I did a beach training taking advantage of the 30+ tempratures. Much of my kick training was done balancing on rocks fighting a strong breeze. The warmth and soothing wind made hard training seem easy. Kata practice on the beach was typically challenging for the exact application of level hips, due to a sloped, and 'soft sinking' surface. I often entered the water. To be completely honest, as tired as I was today after the high repetitions, it was more difficult to keep a smile off my face, as the training was so much fun.

I must like pain, as I'm greatly looking forward to tomorrow's practice sessions. But I'm sure I'll be waking up with plenty of lactic acid to reduce my enthusiasm. All the more reason to train! Where ever you are in the world let's train hard together in the spirit of true karate-do.

OSU

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Okinawa trip

My wife Mizuho and I just returned from a wonderful holiday in Okinawa where we spent the best part of a week. We stayed at the beautiful Okinawa Harborview Crowne Plaza in Naha and enjoyed a luxurious room and superb hotel service. I say this here not to brag but rather to recommend this excellent hotel to anyone if they are going to Okinawa to do karate. On this trip to Okinawa we only visited one private island opting to stay on the mainland, this allowed us to accomplish more.

By complete coincidence I visited the Gichin Funakoshi Monument, which was literally located right next to the rental car company we were taken to. It was so unusual because the location of the monument was on such a tiny street, and hidden from the majority of passerby’s, except for those cued up at the small traffic light beside it. Regardless, it was nice to finally see a monument for Funakoshi Sensei in Okinawa.

All in all I really enjoy visiting such areas as Shuri, Motobu and Tomari as they are such important locations in the history of karate. Shotokan practitioners should not forget the links we have to the traditional karate of Okinawa. Whilst Shotokan’s technique has advanced via science, we must never forget the origins of our art, especially in regards to functional application. The present-day lack of street effectiveness, I believe, has come from the increased emphasis on ‘playing karate’ (sports karate). This problem is also in Okinawa, however, more dojo in Okinawa have retained and practice the effective applications of the kata.

It is my belief that Shotokan karateka, do not need to change style, but rather understand the ‘pre-competition karate’ of Okinawa. Understanding the karate of Okinawa can help us more effectively dissect our kata for practical application (bunkai-jutsu/oyo-jutsu). Doing this means that Shotokan practitioners can have the best of both worlds.

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

My latest training routine

Ido kihon: This month I have returned to ido-kihon practice with the following fundamental combinations: (1) Okiku tobi konde sanbon zuki; (2) Jodan age uke kara chudan mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (3) Chudan soto uke kara yori ashi yoko empi uchi, uraken yokomawashi uchi soshite chudan gyaku zuki; (4) Chudan shuto uke kara mae ashi mae geri soshite nukite; (5) Gedan barai kara chudan uchi uke (neko ashi dachi), ura uchi soshite yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki; (6) Yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki kara gedan barai, yori ashi chudan gyaku zuki soshite gedan barai; (7) Mae geri kara mawashi geri; (8) Mawashi geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (9) Ushiro geri kara chudan gyaku zuki; (10) Kaiten shinagara uraken uchi kara chudan gyaku zuki; (11) Yoko keage ashi o kaete yoko kekomi; (12) Yoko keage kara yoko kekomi; (13) Jodan shuto sotomawashi uchi kara kaiten shinagara jodan empi uchi soshite mawari nagara sagatte jodan shuto uchimawashi uchi; and (14) Jodan soto uke kara yoko yori ashi gedan barai, mae ashi mae geri soshite chudan gyaku zuki zuki. For stationary training I'm simply practising jodan kizami zuki zuki followed by chudan gyaku zuki (jodan kizami zuki in zenkutsu dachi hanmi and chudan gyaku zuki dropping into tate hiza dachi). Naturally I'm equally practising this on both left and right sides.

Kata: Presently I'm especially focused on the following three kata: (1) Empi; (2) Unsu; and (3) Kakuyoku-nidan. However, in addition to these, I'm also ‘lightly covering’ the five Heian, Tekki-shodan (paired up with Kibaken-shodan), and the five Junro for fundmental practice.

Kaeshi ippon kumite: I've been neglecting kaeshi ippon kumite for quite a while, therefore my current kumite training regime is 100% dedicated to this form of practice. The key points that I'm polishing include full and fluid use of koshi no kaiten precisely coordinated with tai no shinshuku. My aim is ensure both attacks and the defence are decisively effective, with special attention being given to the first attack, and the full hip torque (and compression) for the final attack. Essentially hit to finish, cover/block/deflect any potential counter, then hit again with a second finishing blow. Summed up in three words... Kihon, kihon, kihon! And no, I haven't got a 'Arkwright stutter'.

Summary of my practice thus far in July: Technically this month has been very challenging revealing more rough surfaces which need to be sanded down. Returning to extensive ido-kihon training has really forced me to 'once again' fully dissect each technique in the various renzokuwaza (with precise co-ordination of the respective unsoku). On the kata front, the inclusion of Kakuyoku-nidan this month has really been special for me. Asai Sensei made me enthusiastic about all three Kakuyoku, and in-particular this one. I'm practising Kakuyoku-nidan in preparation for the Second Anniversary of Asai Sensei's Passing. In addition to my technical training I've been ending roughly half of my daily self-practices with strength work; namely a few hundred front and side deep squats (this is in addition to the one hundred kneeling squats in my kihon-keiko with gyaku zuki), and large numbers of seiken pushups. This has taken its toll on my recovery times, however, I'm hopeful this will improve in the coming weeks. On the days prior to attending group practice at the local dojo, I'm avoiding this supplementary training to avoid being over-fatigued.

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A big "Osu" to you all from hot and humid Kyushu!

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© André Bertel, Japan 2008

Christa visits Japan

Christa Lehmann (shodan) of Switzerland visited us over the weekend, leaving Kyushu on Tuesday morning. Christa trained at my dojo back in Christchurch, whilst studying English in New Zealand. She even travelled up to Palmerston North for the 2006 National Championships as a part of the Canterbury team (my students went by mini van, which ended up being an unforgetable/hilarious road trip). It was wonderful for Mizuho and I to see Christa here in Japan. Christa also had me give her two private karate lessons. Thanks Christa for coming down to Kyushu to visit us and train! Best of luck for your upcoming university examinations.

OSU!
André Bertel

© André Bertel, Japan 2008